Pumpkin Bread, a Less Evil Version

I looooove pumpkin bread! But i REALLY love the sinful form. I will not allow that deliciousness in my house, however unless i'm surrounded by all my sisters or at least one of my 3 dads. So i altered a recipe from my mom and came up with a loaf that's yummy and cakey and buoyant without being sodden with oil. I cooked down a million apples this fall just for the purpose of baking and subbing oil with applesauce, and so i shall! Turned out great:

• 3 cups flour
• Less than 2 cups sugar (go lean and mix half white/brown)
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp clove
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp nutmeg (i was out of this and added a few dashes of pumpkin pie spice instead)
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 16 oz (2 cups) Pumpkin, i used home cooked/pureed pumpkin that was mixed with some raw milk whey
• 2/3 cup oil - i used all applesauce instead of the oil
• 3 eggs slightly beaten - i added one simply because my ladies' eggs are so small
• I also added about a 1/2 cup of pecans
  

1. Preheat 350
   
2. Mix together flour and next 6 ingredients
3. Add the wet ingredients and mix until just blended
4. Do not overmix!
5. Pour batter into two 9x5 pans, or in my case a 9x5 pan and two little pans. Fill pans about half way, dough will rise
   
6. Bake for 1 hour, let cool 10 minutes and remove from pan

I occasionally run into a bit of egg white or applesauce, but it doesn't bother me! Quite tastey and so far has been enjoyed by all. It's not super sweet, and it could maybe be a little spicier.
To be naughty serve with a little margarine or Smart Balance on top. Yummmmmm.

An Evening in the Gardens

I felt the need to take some pause and reflect on the emerging and regressing beauties in the gardens.
Spinaches and greens are germinating and growing stronger, the bell peppers are slowly ripening to vibrant colors just in time for an end of season harvest, the garlic are peaking out their slender green heads, and the multiplying onions are, well, multiplying. These, along with some awkward volunteers, are filling the gardens with beauty and daily change. It's a great season here in Austin.